Advice from pipers

[Keith A]

I am starting to finally move from my chanter to the pipes, but I have a question about the canter reed. What is the fastest way to brake a new reed in. I am having a hell of a time keeping the pipes sounding, and I don't know if the reed is to hard, or just needs to be broke in.

[Firetacoma]

Ask your instructor! You do have an instructor, right?

You can gently shave it down (evenly on both sides) or you can play it and play it and play it until it's nice and broken in and you're stamina is good enough to play it.

For a total newbie, I'd suggest shaving it (your instructor should help, at least the first time).

[beloitpiper]

What strength and maker is it? I'd say don't touch it. It's not easy when you first get on the full pipes. Really, it just takes time to break it in. If you're still having issues after a few months, then shave or chisel it, but I'm afraid you're just going to have to bear it.

[Macman]

What strength and maker is it? I'd say don't touch it. It's not easy when you first get on the full pipes. Really, it just takes time to break it in. If you're still having issues after a few months, then shave or chisel it, but I'm afraid you're just going to have to bear it.

I'd add that another way to get the chanter going when you're first on the full pipes is to cork the drones. Then, as your strength and technique grow, you can uncork one by one and then, voila!

[davidlpope]

I've had good luck ordering Duncan Soutar "easy" reeds. Some (Shepherds) seem to be harder than others. You also need to make sure that you don't have leaks in your bag, tuning slides, etc. What brand of pipes do you play?

As some of the other folks have mentioned, though, if you're having this issue you should talk to your teacher. If you're "going it alone" you run a real risk of learning how to be a very poor piper and having headache after headache on some of the simplest things. Not trying to be negative here, just trying to share some hard-won experience.

Cordially,

David

[Brother Falldown]

If you've got an instructor ask. If not, try Chris Apps. He has a very informative web site on reeds which includes a nice little video on shaving a chanter reed. You might also consider ordering a reed from Chris. He will custom build one for you which will use as little as 18lbs pressure (VERY easy). Cost about $18 US.

[george7]

Don't play a reed that it too hard. That's how I got a hernia. I'm 23 and on the mend... and the worst part was that I couldn't play on St. Patrick's day. I've been playing for over 5, almost 6 years. I was playing a medium-hard warnock reed and towards the end of the night I started having some pain that turned into having A LOT of pain in "the effected area."

[MacHummel]

well my instructor told me not to touch the reeds play till you get used to it , I did the same thing MAcman suggested i cork my pipes and slowly uncorked each drone as my strength and skill increased, I use elliot reeds in the medium strength they brake it nicely. Do not shave the blades of your reed you lose tone .

[Bart_In_A_Kilt]

Fill me in here guys... are these "double reeds, like an Oboe or Bassoon?.

I played Clarinet, Bass and Contrabass Clarinet and Alto Sax for years, and it was common practice to "Condition" your reeds, by shaving, sanding and burnishing them to close off the pours as needed. Are Pipe Reeds really that different?

[beloitpiper]

The chanter reed is a double reed like an oboe. The drone reeds are all single reeds. I never shave mine, but have chiseled some in emergency situations. Now, I always buy two reeds at a time and break them in at the same time so I can have a backup.